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2008

Governor, Labor Comissioner Applaud Work of NCCCO in WV

December 2008 – The role of the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) in reducing crane-related accidents and injuries was applauded by West Virginia’s Governor, Joe Manchin III, at NCCCO’s fall meeting.

“Created by industry for industry, this Commission has made an immeasurable impact on the Mountain State,” Governor Manchin stated in prepared remarks. “In a climate where crane operation has a large presence, NCCCO has done much to set high standards for industry safety, risk management and performance guidelines. I applaud those whose hard work and outstanding dedication made all of this possible. Their efforts are certainly commendable and serve as an example to us all.”

The Governor wished the Commission a “productive and successful meeting.” “I have no doubt this fine organization will continue to be a positive force in the Mountain State for many years to come,” he stated.

“CCO crane operator certification has not only been good for our industry,” said West Virginia’s Commissioner of Labor, David W. Mullins,“it has added legitimacy due to the fact of being created from all sources of the industry.”

It was a sentiment expressed equally by West Virginia’s Commissioner of Labor, David W. Mullins. Commissioner Mullins noted that his state had been the first to enact (in 2001) legislation that directly referenced CCO crane operator certification in its operator qualification requirements.

“We had five crane-related fatalities in the period before legislation was enacted,” Commissioner Mullins stated, “and we’ve had none since.” While that statistic spoke volumes for the effectiveness of independently accredited, third-party certification, he acknowledged there was never a guarantee of accident-free crane operations. Nevertheless, because of NCCCO, “anyone that sits in the seat now knows far more than he or she would have eight years ago,” he stated.

“CCO crane operator certification has not only been good for our industry,” Commissioner Mullins continued, “it has added legitimacy due to the fact of being created from all sources of the industry.” He recognized the commitment made by the volunteers that serve on NCCCO’s exam management committees, as well as their employers who fund their participation. “I applaud your work and the companies that allow you to do this,” the Commissioner said.

Safety professionals from all over the United States gathered for week-long series of NCCCO meetings hosted by IUOE Local 132 in Charleston, WV in October. In addition to four exam management committee meetings addressing all three crane operator programs (mobile, tower and overhead), the event also included the final meeting of the Signalperson Task Force prior to its replacement by a standing committee in the spring of 2009.

NCCCO’s Practical Exam Appeals Committee and Ethics & Discipline Committee also met. The week’s events were capped by a full meeting of the NCCCO Commission.